Formula 1 is set to bring back refuelling in 2017 as part of a raft of changes aimed at making the sport more exciting.

Following a lengthy Strategy Group meeting at Biggin Hill on Thursday, F1 teams are understood to have agreed on a number of changes to spice up the show.

As well as refuelling, which was banned at the end of 2009, F1 aims to introduce wider tyres, with higher revving engines that will make more noise.

It was agreed that F1 would stick with the current V6 turbo engines, with the idea of a dual power unit formula having been rejected.

An FIA statement said: "On the engine side, it has been decided that stability of the rules should prevail in consideration of the investments of the manufacturers involved in the sport and to give visibility to potential new entrants."

The rules proposals will still need to be approved by the F1 Commission, and then ratified at the next meeting of the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council which takes place in Mexico in July.

Cars will be 'more aggressive'

For 2017, there will also be aerodynamic tweaks to the cars to make them perform better and look more aggressive.

It is hoped that the changes will make cars between five and six seconds per lap faster.

For next year there will also be a free choice of two dry tyre compounds from the four available at each race.

There are other ideas also being discussed which include the race weekend format and a push to make race starts become solely influenced by driver.

Customer cars back on agenda

Costs have also been discussed, with Strategy Group members teams expected to evaluate a number of ideas over the next few weeks – including the possible return of customer cars.

It was confirmed that plans for a fifth engine have been dropped.

An FIA statement said: "This constructive meeting between the FIA, FOM and the Teams has allowed paving the way for the future of the championship.

"All parties agreed to work together with an intention to firm up these proposals and submit them to the approval of the F1 Commission and the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA as soon as possible for implementation."